RUMINATING ON THE RUN

Eugene Marathon Training: Week Six

Week six had two workouts that were definitely challenging. Wednesday’s strength training session was fantastic and worked some muscle groups that needed attention. Felt this one the next day. Because I’d moved some workouts around (Thursday’s workout to Monday; Tuesday’s workout to Thursday) hill repeats followed strength training. Sore body and robust winds made for a tough hill session. Regardless, it was a good week.

Monday: Run. Early AM run right after sunrise, along east side. Outside temp “felt like” 1 degree F with windchill, but this run was perfect. Change of scenery was fantastic and legs felt great after Saturday’s long run. This was to be Thursday’s easy run, so Thursday is hills instead.

Thursday: Hill Repeats. Not the easiest hill repeats. Went out later than usual. Felt much colder than the other day even though it wasn’t (29F, feels like 17). Strong headwind on each uphill interval.

Back and hamstrings were tight and a bit sore from Wednesday’s trainer session.

Made it through the workout just fine. Constant wind and cold had me feeling a bit fatigued. Still, this week’s repeats were faster than last week’s. Felt great in time for the cool down. Ran last miles on bridle path.

I came across UCAN while marathon training last year. I, too, was having issues using gels. I’d been having to increase the number of gels on long runs, which began to cause energy spikes and dips, plus upset my stomach.

Some endurance athlete friends of mind recommended UCAN, so I began using it while training. It’s basically a complex carb, which they call “Super Starch”. It encourages fat burn, and doesn’t spike insulin levels. So, in my experience, I’ve found it to keep my energy levels very even on my long runs.

I happen to like it because it’s eliminated my need for gels. I use two packets mixed with water before any run longer than 15 miles. On runs longer than that, I will also mix a packet with a small amount of water to make a “gel” (and carry it in a small gel flask). That’s all I take on my long runs (plus any water for hydration).

Before any training run, I take one packet. I personally use the mix that’s protein-enhanced as that also helps curb any feelings of hunger while running.